ask, although it isn't so much
against the fashion of the times to shoot a Whig either. But anything
for the sake of quiet amongst good fellows. Be considerate, noble
captain, and do as the babies wish. As for Horse Shoe's brag--he is an
old soldier, and so am I; that's enough. We are not so green as to put a
broadsword and a brace of pistols into the hands of a bullying prisoner.
No, no, Horse Shoe! try another trick, old boy! Ha, ha, lads! you are a
set of fine dashing chaps, and this is only one of your mad-cap bits of
spunk that boils up with your liquor. Take another cup on it, my merry
fellows, and all will be as pleasant as the music of a fife. Come,
valiant Captain of the Tiger, join us. And as for the prisoners--why let
them come in for snacks with us. So there's an end of the business. All
is as mild as new milk again."

"Well, well, get your breakfasts," said Habershaw gruffly. "Blast you! I
have spoiled you by good treatment, you ungrateful, carnivorous dogs!
But, as Peppercorn says, there's an end of it! So go to your feeding,
and when that's done we will push for Blackstock's."

The morning meal was soon despatched, and the party reassembled in the
room where the late disturbance had taken place. The good-nature of
Robinson continued to gain upon those who had first taken up his cause,
and even brought him into a more lenient consideration with the others.
Amongst the former I have already noted Andrew Clopper, a rough and
insubordinate member of the gang, who, vexed by some old grudge against
the fat captain, had efficiently sustained Green in the late act of
mutiny, and who now, struck with Horse Shoe's bold demeanor towards
Curry, began to evince manifest signs of a growing regard for the worthy
sergeant. With this man Horse Shoe contrived to hold a short and secret
interview that resulted in the quiet transfer of a piece of gold into
the freebooter's hand, which was received with a significant nod of
assent to whatever proposition accompanied it. When the order of "boot
and saddle" was given by Habershaw, the several members of the troop
repaired to their horses, where a short time was spent in making ready
for the march; after which the whole squad returned to the porch and
occupied the few moments of delay in that loud and boisterous carousal
which is apt to mark the conduct of such an ill-organized body in the
interval immediately preceding the commencement of a day's ride. This
was a moment of int